Joe Biden went to Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France, on Friday, the famous site where Army Rangers scaled the high cliffs to take out the German artillery in an incredibly brave effort on D-Day, 80 years ago.
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Biden shuffled in, with someone walking with him, seemingly confused about where to go at one point.
Biden wanted to have a “Ronald Reagan” moment, the inspiring moment when he spoke about the “boys of Pointe du Hoc.” But he’s Joe Biden so, of course, he had to somehow make it about himself and his agenda. He used it to talk about the importance of “democracy” as well as Putin and Ukraine.
Does this sound like Reagan? I’m thinking not so much.
He had trouble with “Pointe du Hoc.”
Then he had this stirring, inspiring word salad.
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Um, maybe “democracy” isn’t targeting political opponents or trying to kick them off ballots? Maybe that isn’t what our republic is about. And maybe when you do that, you are “walking away” from what our founding principles are all about.
Biden went on to say that the Rangers would have wanted people to stand up against Vladimir Putin, appropriating them for his Ukraine obsession. Maybe this day is about them and their sacrifice — not about the agenda you are pushing now?
Maybe you shouldn’t be presuming what they have to think. Who is wanting America to “go it alone”? Not former President Donald Trump, who helped bring further peace to the Middle East. I think Biden’s words here are supposed to be an attack on Trump, but it doesn’t make a lot of sense. Putting Americans first doesn’t mean not having allies or supporting them. Trump, for example, didn’t throw our allies in Israel or Afghanistan under the bus, as Biden has, with a variety of actions.
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Let’s listen to the major difference between Biden and Reagan and what makes for an inspirational speech.
Reagan didn’t have teleprompters for help like Biden; just some notes that he barely looked at.
I think it’s fair to say that Biden’s words will not have the resonance or effect of Reagan’s.
Related:
Biden Gets Caught With Embarrassing Hot Mic Moment During D-Day Ceremonies
Biden’s Awkward Moments of Confusion in Normandy